leak in steam radiator

JM_2

are leaking from my radiator at the intersection of the two last collums. Can this be fixed and if so who does this kind of work. I have a pictures

Mike T., Swampeast MO

Horizontal Rods

When you see horizontal rods running across the rad top and bottom disassembly and repair ARE possible as these are assembled with push (smooth, tapered) nipples. Those without these rods are assembed with threaded nipples and attempts at repair are futile--at least when I tried it--once.

Any old-time heat man (or a new one who likes working with this) should be able to repair it at reasonable cost. I believe this type of leak is more common in steam systems than hot water due to their being open to the atmosphere. If a case of "nipple rot" the sections themselves are likely OK.

It really should be addressed soon because it certainly WON'T get any better and the sections themselves may deteriorate beyond repair.

While these were assembled dry (metal-to-metal) when new, I put a bead of pure silicon around the nipples and just inside the sections when reassembling--for "good measure" and maybe a bit of lubrication when pulling back together. No leaks between sections yet, but my experience is only with freeze damaged hot water rads.

I've seen an old-timer pop them apart with the handle of a long pipe wrench but I still do it with hardwood wedges--the only way I could figure out when first confronted with the challenge.